Michael Jackson
Biography
Born August 29, 1958, to a musically inclined working-class family in Gary, Indiana, Michael Joseph Jackson's destiny was set in stone from day one. While showing a devout interest in music early on in his childhood -- as did the rest of his older brothers -- Michael began performing at a young age.
His allegedly controlling father apparently forced young Michael and his brothers to form a musical group called the Jackson 5. The group's popularity immediately skyrocketed after relentlessly performing in a countless number of local talent shows. In 1968, the Jackson 5 was signed to Motown Records and gained recognition for its early chart-toppers, including "I Want You Back," "ABC" and "I'll Be There." Michael led the pack as the group's lead singer and dancer.
Jackson one
Although the group released thirteen albums in only seven years and charted several No. 1 R&B hits during that time, Michael felt the need to begin his solo career. In 1979, Michael moved to New York and collaborated with established R&B hit-maker Quincy Jones on Jackson's first solo effort, Off the Wall. The album was a success as it reached the No. 3 spot and delivered four Top 10 hits for MJ, including two US number one singles, "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" and "Rock With You."
After the successful debut of Off the Wall, Michael reunited with his brothers to record another album and go back on tour. However, his solo career exploded in 1982 when he released one of the most commercially successful albums of all-time, Thriller. At this point, Michael transformed into a media icon and instantly became one of the biggest artists in the history of pop music. The album spawned a countless number of hit singles, each accompanied by a promotional music video on MTV.
In 1987, Jackson returned with his highly anticipated follow-up, Bad. Although the album reached the No. 1 spot once again, it wasn't nearly as successful as his previous effort. MJ tried his luck once again in 1991 with the release of his fourth solo effort, Dangerous, however, the rise of grunge music drowned out the seemingly stale sounds of Michael's pop music. Times were changing and musical preferences were shifting accordingly.
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The next several years proved to be trying times for Michael, as success reared its ugly head. His erratic side started to shine through and Michael quickly became the target of tabloids and media hounds alike. His visual appearance undertook a dramatic change and he developed an image as an abnormally shy character that held a fond appreciation for children. Rumors of child abuse and pedophilia began to surface, leading to Michael's disappearance from the public eye. In 1994, Michael reappeared in the spotlight by marrying Lisa Marie Presley, a stunt seen by many as an attempt to clean up his image. The marriage barely lasted two years and Michael, once again ridiculed for his actions, tied the knot in 1996 to his newfound acquaintance, Debbie Rowe. The couple had their first child together in February 1997, Prince Michel Jackson Jr.
What a history it is
1995 marked the year of Michael's triumphant return to the music scene. HIStory: Past, Present and Future -- Book 1 was a retaliation of sorts for MJ. The double album contained material that clearly proved to the world that Michael was fed up with the rumors and controversy surrounding his private life. It was time to fight back; and fight back he did. Pop princess Janet accompanied her brother on the Top 5 single "Scream," which demonstrated the duo's distaste for the media surrounding their family life. Michael also fought back on the song "They Don't Care About Us," which became the subject of controversy due to anti-Semitic lyrics. This retaliation of sorts cleared the way for his 6th solo release in 1997, Blood On The Dance Floor.
Michael returned with his latest album, Invincible. The late October 2001 album release came around the same time that Jackson celebrated his 30th Anniversary Celebration as a solo artist. The sold-out concert included guest appearances from the likes of *N Sync, Usher and Whitney Houston, among others. The concert celebration was broadcast on cable in an effort to promote the King of Pop's defiant return to the music scene.
Overall rating
After lurking in the shadows of the music scene for the past five years, Michael Jackson has emerged once again with a brand new album, which clearly proves that the King of Pop is truly Invincible. Released in late October 2001 with the eagerly anticipated first single, "You Rock My World," Invincible is well on its way to becoming one of MJ's finest musical masterpieces since 1982's almighty Thriller.
So roll out the red carpet, because Wacko Jacko is about to moonwalk his way back into the hearts of adoring fans worldwide. Men, women, little boys, and monkeys of the world unite -- our King has finally made his triumphant return and he is about to once again reclaim his throne in the wonderful world of pop music.
Personality & talent
Personality-wise, Michael Jackson is utterly one of the most peculiar specimens on this planet. Throughout his career, MJ has earned himself a huge collection of nicknames based on his reputation and erratic behavior. He has been labeled an introvert, a pedophile, a recluse, a child trapped in a man's body (well sort of), and a ultra-paranoid germ freak -- yet he still has one of the largest and most loyal fan bases in the world.
He is also the man who is seemingly petrified to be interviewed, or even seen in public for that matter, yet is arguably the world's greatest onstage performer ever. It simply doesn't seem to match up, now does it?
Let's see now, what else has Mr. Jackson become known for throughout the extent of his career? For starters, he bought himself an enormous ranch in California, named it Neverland, and filled it with amusement park rides. He has publicly demonstrated his overwhelming affection for small children, most notably those of the male gender; has reportedly held a countless number of kiddy-clad slumber parties; and has a best friend name Mr. Bubbles -- who just so happens to be a chimpanzee. Although quite possibly a few cards shy of a full deck (in the minds of some people that is), MJ has still managed to earn himself the title of pop music's most gifted and eclectic performers ever. Like him or not, he is unquestionably one of a kind, and a
veritable pop icon.
While on the dance floor, the man in the black leather penny loafers simply cannot be touched. His unique and seemingly robotic maneuvers have yet to be outdone by any other performer on this planet. Whether seen performing on stage or in one of his wonderfully choreographed music videos, Michael Jackson has wowed music fanatics of all ages over the years. Throw into the mix a crotch grab here and there, a girlish screech or two and a moonwalk, and you've got yourself one hell of a talented individual.
Woman magnetism
Despite the fact that Jacko has somehow evolved over the years from a handsome young African American boy into a freakishly androgynous Caucasian man, he still has a steady mob of female fans worldwide.
It's not every day that a man can get up in front of a crowd of people, grab a hold of his family jewels, scream at the top of his lungs, and have women by the truckload faint at his feet in utmost adoration. Not only that: how many men do you know who have been married to two different women, over the course of two years (one of which being Elvis' daughter, Lisa Marie Presley)? He's an all-out lady-killer. Wacko Jacko has been breaking hearts and taking names, no doubt about it. Still, some pessimists out there have stated that Jackson merely tried to create the illusion that he was actually involved in these relationships to dispel any rumors about his infatuation with children. But let's be realistic for a second here. Who in their right mind would allow their child to spend the night at a ranch called Neverland, where chimps roam about freely in diapers?
It's like strapping a sign around your child's neck that says, "Why yes, I do like candy and I would love to take a ride in your car"; most definitely not something that you would come across in the 101 Ways to be an Outstanding Parent guidebook.
Accomplishments & fame
Throughout the course of his solo music career, Michael has released six enormously successful albums. Just recently, his seventh solo effort, Invincible, has made its way onto the shelves of music stores worldwide and is expected to be just as, if not more, successful than his previous endeavors. Jackson's most triumphant album to date has been Thriller, which was released into the world of pop music in 1982. It spent a whopping 37 weeks as the number one selling album and sold over 24 million copies.
At this point in time, Michael Jackson mania was rampantly running wild and a string of hit videos stemming from his Thriller album were flooding the MTV network. Hit after hit was released including, "Beat It," "Billy Jean" and "Thriller," the latter of which was accompanied by an innovative half-hour long video that was also being screened in movie theatres nationwide.
Michael's superstar status also enabled him to receive the largest individual sponsorship deal in history from Pepsi-Cola in 1983, although the severe burns he suffered as a result of his hair catching on fire during the commercial shoot most probably were not part of the lucrative deal. In addition, MJ has also been nominated for, and has won, a countless number of music awards in various categories.
Coolness factor
Michael's personality is closest in comparison to Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. While the ultra-reclusive pop superstar is known to shy away from the public spotlight with regards to his daily life, he seems to thrive on the attention he receives during his performances. Seemingly cool, calm and collected while onstage, the same can't be said with regards to the trials and tribulations of his everyday life.
During the period in which he was being accused of child molestation, Michael became addicted to painkillers and fled the USA to seek refuge in another country. Rumor has it that he settled in Poland for a while and reportedly tried to buy the land for two dozen pirogies and a bucket of sour cream, but the Poles refused to budge.
While normally composed during his live performances, MJ recently demonstrated to the world his emotional side by breaking down on stage and crying during the televised broadcast of his 30th anniversary celebration. It seemed as if the overwhelming support of his fans got the best of him during his performance, however, many reportedly believe that his nose had partially fallen off during the set and he had covered his head in an effort to reattach it. But keep in mind: these are all just rumors.
Personal style
The King of Pop has gained worldwide recognition for his personal style throughout the course of his career. For heaven's sake, the man single-handedly moved millions and created a fashion frenzy by wearing a white-sequined glove. His style is ultimately what has distinguished him from the rest of mankind. It's almost as if he has been frozen in time, with regards to his appearance and dress code. Due to excessive plastic surgery, it seems as though Michael is aging in the opposite direction. At this rate, in five years, Jacko is going to look like a teenager again; well, a white teenager anyway. It has also been rumored that Jackson sleeps in an oxygen chamber to prevent aging and to fend off those pesky germs that lurk on the outside. Sadly enough, Tito could not be reached for comments.